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Every Muslim should remember these essential expressions.

Note: Spellings may vary when translated to English

These expressions are mostly singular. For example to say ‘Jazak(i) Allahu Khair” to more than one person you would ‘Jazakum Allahu Khairan’ and to say ‘Barak Allahu feek(i)” to more than one person is “Barak Allahu Feekum”

AL-HAMDU LILLAHI RABBIL ‘ALAMIN
This is a verse from the Qur’an that Muslims recite and say many times per day. Other than being recited daily during prayers, a Muslim reads this expression in every activity of his daily life. The meaning of it is: “Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.”

A Muslim invokes the praises of Allah before he does his daily work; and when he finishes, he thanks Allah for His favors. A Muslim is grateful to Allah for all His blessings. It is a statement of thanks, appreciation, and gratitude from the creature to his Creator.

ALLAHU AKBAR
This statement is said by Muslims numerous times. During the call for prayer, during prayer, when they are happy, and wish to express their approval of what they hear, when they slaughter an animal, and when they want to praise a speaker, Muslims do say this expression of Allahu Akbar. Actually it is most said expression in the world. It’s meaning: “Allah is the Greatest.” Muslims praise Allah in every aspect of life; and as such they say Allahu Akbar.

ASSALAMU ALAIKUM
This is an expression Muslims say whenever they meet one another. It is a statement of greeting with peace. The meaning of it is: “Peace be upon you.”

Muslims try to establish peace on earth even through the friendly relation of greeting and meeting one another.

The other forms are: “Assalamu ‘Alalikum Wa Rahmatullah,” which means:”May the peace and the Mercy of Allah be upon you,” and “Assalamu Alalikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh,” which means:”May the peace, the mercy, and the blessings of Allah be upon you.”

ASTAGHFIRULLAH
This is an expression used by a Muslim when he wants to ask Allah forgiveness. The meaning of it is: “I ask Allah forgiveness.” A Muslim says this phrase many times, even when he is talking to another person. When a Muslim abstains from doing wrong, or even when he wants to prove that he is innocent of an incident he uses this expression. After every Salah (payer), a Muslim says this statement three times.

A’UDHU BILLAHI MINASHAYTAN IRAJEEM
This is an expression and a statement that Muslims have to recite before reading to Qur’an, before speaking, before doing any work, before making a supplication, before taking ablution, before entering the wash room, and before doing many other daily activities. The meaning of this phrase is: “I seek refuge from Allah from the outcast Satan.” Allah is the Arabic name of God.

Satan is the source of evil and he always tries to misguide and mislead people. The Qur’an states that Satan is not an angel but a member of the Jinn, which are spiritual beings created by Allah. So the belief that Satan is a fallen angel is rejected in Islam.

B

BARAKALLAH
This is an expression, which means: “May the blessings of Allah (be upon you).” When a Muslim wants to thank to another person, he uses different statements to express his thanks, appreciation, and gratitude. One of them is to say “Baraka Allah.”

BISMILLAHIR RAHMANIR RAHIM
This is a phrase from the Qur’an that is recited before reading the Qur’an. It is to be read immediately after one reads the phrase: “A’uzu Billahi Minashaitanir Rajim.”

This phrase is also recited before doing any daily activity. The meaning of it is: “In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful.”

I

IN SHA’ ALLAH
When a person wishes to plan for the future, when he promises, when he makes resolutions, and when he makes a pledge, he makes them with permission and the will of Allah. For this reason, a Muslim uses the Qur’anic instructions by saying “In Sha ‘ Allah.” The meaning of this statement is: “If Allah wills.” Muslims are to strive hard and to put their trusts with Allah. They leave the results in the hands of Allah.

INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAHI RAJI’UN
When a Muslim is struck with a calamity, when he loses one of his loved ones, or when he has gone bankrupt, he should be patient and say this statement, the meaning of which is: “We are from Allah and to whom we are returning.”

Muslims believe that Allah is the One who gives and it is He takes away. He is testing us. Hence, a Muslim submits himself to Allah. He is grateful and thankful to Allah for whatever he gets. On the other hand, he is patient and says this expression in times of turmoil and calamity.

J

JAZAKALLAHU KHAYRAN
This is a statement of thanks and appreciation to be said to the person who does a favor. Instead of saying “thanks” (Shukran), the Islamic statement of thanks is to say this phrase. It’s meaning is: ” May Allah reward you for the good.”

It is understood that human beings can’t repay one another enough. Hence, it is better to request Almighty Allah to reward the person who did a favor and to give him the best.

K

KALAM
Talk or speech as in “kalamu Allah”; has also been used through the ages to mean logic or philosophy.

L

LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH
The meaning of this expression is: ” There is no power and no strength save in Allah.” This expression is read by a Muslim when he is struck by a calamity, or is taken over by a situation beyond his control. A Muslim puts his trust in the hands of Allah, and submits himself to Allah.

LA ILAHA ILLALLAH
This expression is the most important one in Islam. It is the creed that every person has to say to be considered a Muslim. It is part of the first pillar of Islam. The meaning of which is: ” There is no lord worthy of worship except Allah.”

The second part of this first pillar is to say: “Mohammedan Rasul Allah,” which means:”Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.”

M

MA SHA’ ALLAH
This is an expression that Muslims say whenever they are excited and surprised. When they wish to express their happiness, they use such an expression. The meaning of “Ma sha’ Allah” is: “Whatever Allah wants.” or “Whatever Allah wants to give, He gives.” This means that whenever Allah gives something good to someone, blesses him, honors him, and opens the door of success in business, a Muslim says this statement of “Ma Sha’ Allah.”

It has become a tradition that whenever a person constructs a building, a house, or an office, he puts a plaque on the wall or the entrance with this statement. It is a sign of thanks and appreciation from the person to Almighty Allah for whatever he was blessed with.

MUHAMMADUN RASULULLAH
This statement is the second part of the first pillar of Islam. The meaning of this part is that Prophet Muhammad is the last and final prophet and messenger of Allah to mankind. He is the culmination, summation, purification of the previous prophets of Allah to humanity.

P

P.B.U.H.
These letters are abbreviations for the words Peace Be Upon Him which are the meaning of the Arabic expression ” ‘Alaihis Salam”, which is an expression that is said when the name of a prophet is mentioned.

This expression is widely used by English speaking Muslims. It is to be noticed here that this expression does not give the full meaning of “Salla Allahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam”. Therefore it is recommended that people do not use (p.b.u.h.) after the name of prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.); they should use “Salla Allahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam” instead, or they may use the abbreviated form of (s.a.w) in writing.

R

RADHIALLAHU ‘ANHU
This is an expression to be used by Muslims whenever a name of a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is mentioned or used in writing. The meaning of this statement is: “May Allah be pleased with him.”

Muslims are taught to be respectful to the elderly and to those who contributed to the spread and success in Islam. They are to be grateful to the companions of the prophet (s.a.w.) for their sacrifices, their leadership, and their contributions. Muslims are advised to use this phrase when such names are mentioned or written.

S

SADAQALLAHUL ‘ADHEEM
This is a statement of truth that a Muslim says after reading any amount of verses from the Qur’an. The meaning of it is: “Allah says the truth.”

The Qur’an is the exact words of Allah in verbatim. When Allah speaks, He says the truth; and when the Qur’an is being recited, a Muslim is reciting the words of truth of Allah. Hence, he says: “Sadaqallahul ‘Azim.”

SALLALLAHU ‘ALAIHI WA SALLAM
When the name of Prophet Muhammad (saw) is mentioned or written, a Muslim is to respect him and invoke this statement of peace upon him. The meaning of it is: “May the blessings and the peace of Allah be upon him (Muhammad).

Another expression that is alternatively used is: “Alaihissalatu Wassalam.” This expression means: “On Him (Muhammad) are the blessings and the peace of Allah.”

Allah has ordered Muslims, in the Qur’an, to say such an expression. Muslims are informed that if they proclaim such a statement once, Allah will reward them ten times.

S.A.W. These letters are abbreviations for the words “Salla Allahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam”.

SUBHANAHU WA TA’ALA
This is an expression that Muslims use whenever the name of Allah is pronounced or written. The meaning of this expression is: “Allah is pure of having partners and He is exalted from having a son.”

Muslims believe that Allah is the only God, the Creator of the Universe. He does not have partners or children. Sometimes Muslims use other expressions when the name of Allah is written or pronounced. Some of which are: “‘Azza Wa Jall”: He is the Mighty and the Majestic; “Jalla Jalaluh”: He is the exalted Majestic.

S.W.T. These letters are abbreviations for the words of “Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala”.

W

WA ‘ALAIKUM ASSALAM
This is an expression that a Muslim is to say as an answer for the greeting. When a person greets another with a salutation of peace, the answer for the greeting is an answer of peace. The meaning of this statement is: “And upon you is the peace.” The other expressions are: ” Wa Alaikums Salam Wa Rahmatullah.” and “Wa ‘Alaikums Salam Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuh.”
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If there’s an Islamic phrase/ word that’s not included above, feel free to share with us down in the comments below inshallah!! The more knowledge you give, the more rewards! Also please include the translation, and when its commonly used. I’m human, so if you’ve found I made a mistake, feel free to correct me. If you have any questions on any of the terms, don’t be shy to ask inshallah!!

As-salamu ‘alaikum wa rahmatullah. One important one that is not stated is after one sneezes, al hamdulillah and yarhamuk Allah to the sneezer. These are even mentioned in Hadith. Good work on the website. May Allah reward our good deeds.

Very informative, Thanks. I am a Latin man,but I get mistaken for being Arabic allot. I go to Muslim owned stores and they always greet me me with Assalamu ‘Alaikum. Usually, they say it to me twice… I never know how to respond, and I feel I am being rude. This will help me out. Jazak Allah Khairan.

Please only comment and write these things if you are 100% certain and ALWAYS get them TRIPLE checked before you post…

An example below is of Charisma? trying to be helpful but giving blatantly wrong information (no offence at all intended as you are taking the time out to do good) is the answer to ‘what does bi-idhnillahi wa ta’ala’ mean?’

The answer was split like this

Bi – by
Idhn – the permission
Illah – of the one
Wa – and
Ta-ala – his highness

BUT ITS WRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For starters ‘the one’ is Al ahad in Arabic and illah is God…

It really means

Bi – WITH
Idhn – THE PERMISSION
Illah – OF ALLAH (Allah, rabb, ilah are the three words for God/Allah as in
La ilaha illAllah La = no illa = god ha-ill = but/other than/except Allah = Allah)
Wa – AND this is Arabic grammar when it is attached here it changes from wa = and to wa =
Ta-ala – THE MOST HIGH as in when you read Salah and you say ‘subhaana rabbi’al a’la’

Subhaana – glory be to
Rabbi – Allah – god
Al – the
A’la – most high

And the strange thing is there is such phrase!!!!

I think the asker meant to ask what does bi-idhnillahi SUBHAANA wa ta’ala mean?’ Or bi-idhnillah ta-ala (without the wa = and as it then means with the permission of Allah MOST HIGH)

In which case it means simply (and it will always be a nearest meaning as English is not Arabic so we have to find the nearest meaning)

With the permission of Allah, most glorious and most high

Phew….

Insha’Allah I am right in all this and remember to triple check before you post something or start reading it and teaching it to your kids!!!!!

Here me and my partners have a questionary which will survey the essential needs of
muslim minorities.
Can I ask you see the link below and answer to short questions please? All data you give
will be kept.
I am grateful!

Salaam. Can anyone tell me the proper english meaning is to the following dua. It was given to me to read three times after every farz namaaz to make your children listen to you and be respectful (with their image in your mind).

Thank you for this website, it was very helpful. I’m not an Arab, but InSha’Allah, i will Get a even better understanding of Arabic. i want to understand he true essence of the Qur’an. thanks again. MaSha’Allah Assalaamu alaikum.

This is one of Allah’s (swt) names. It can be found in the quran like in surat al-fatiha (eyakaa’ na’bud waeyakah nasta’een) and in surat al-Anbiyaa 21:112. I would translate it as one who’s aid is sought, or help is given.

I am a Christian and I am trying to learn Islam (along with my daughter) on my own because there are no Muslim’s (outwardly that I know of) in my area. I can’t even find a Quran. There are no Masjids in my area either so I feel helpless. I tried to contact people on line for information but I have been waiting for months now and still have not received anything at all. It’s very frustrating. This site helps me to a certain point and I am thankful to Allah for that. I just wish people were more friendly to those wanting to learn Islam. You are blessed if you are born Muslim and already know the way. I am lost and still searching for the truth alone.

Hadiths are of different types. There are six major collections which are considered the most authentic (‘sahih sitta’). They have been used as source texts by Nawawi etc; they are the compilations of: Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Nisa’i, Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah. ‘Hadith Qudsi’ relates specifically to sacred hadith from Allah, related to our beloved prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wassallam).

JazakAllaahu Khayran. We use these expressions in almost every conversation, and try to make the ones around us to pick up the practice too. But most times the meanings are not shared; now we can swarths with every one.

Assalamu aliakum, May Allah bless you with His great and exaulted rewards in this world and in hereafter for this noble deed of making people especially the followers of HADHRAT MOHAMMAD (SAW) acquainted with the basics of Islam and the hnly language. Keep updating the site and broadening the field. Fi Amani Allah!

Assalamu aliakum, Alhamdu lillah, it is great privilege that your gracious-selves have started to benifit muslims in particular and other humans in general by making them acquainted with the basics of Islam and the holy language. May Allah reward you with his great and exaulted blessings in this world and in hereafter for this noble deed. Keep updating this site and broadening your field. Fi Amanillah

Assalamu alaikum. Alhamdulillah im so appreciate this knowledge what I’ve learn from you.and I really need to learn more about Islam characteristic and how to be a good believers..I am just starting of studying searching knowledge and inshallah you can help me to become better muslima.jazak Allah khairan .

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All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black, nor a black has any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim, which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not therefore, do injustice to yourselves. -Muhammed sallahu 'alahi wa salaam